Very interesting case. As a consumer and user of many electronic gadgets, I do like when there is some resemblance of icons, such as the Settings gear that is similar for both Samsung and Apple products. It sure makes shifting "gears" between products a lot easier.
On a side note, I fell off my chair in robust laughter reading the post about "the rest of the planet blasting ahead". Blasting ahead of companies like Apple? Really?

I really hope that Apple get severe sanctions for this kind of disgraceful circus - Severe enough to make Apple think twice before even considering law-suit farce.
I'm really happy that I don't own any Apple products because I would have to get rid of them. I'd be ashamed if I'd have anything to do with that mockery of a company. Apple has reached the pinnacle of unethical business practices and I'd be more than delighted to witness the downfall of it.

Perfect example of why American Co's are continuously becoming less competitive...sittin around talkin crap while the rest of the planet blasts ahead. Oh and Btw, here's video that to me calls BS on Apple's claims - Tons of prior Art like this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcKqyn-gUbY

In conjunction with unveiling of EE Times’ Silicon 60 list, journalist & Silicon 60 researcher Peter Clarke hosts a conversation on startups in the electronics industry. One of Silicon Valley's great contributions to the world has been the demonstration of how the application of entrepreneurship and venture capital to electronics and semiconductor hardware can create wealth with developments in semiconductors, displays, design automation, MEMS and across the breadth of hardware developments. But in recent years concerns have been raised that traditional venture capital has turned its back on hardware-related startups in favor of software and Internet applications and services. Panelists from incubators join Peter Clarke in debate.